Outbreak of vomiting virus confirmed at St Vincent's

A fourth major hospital today confirmed that its patients have been diagnosed with the winter vomiting virus.

A spokeswoman for the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) confirmed this afternoon that at least one case of the virus has been discovered at St Vincent’s Hospital and a number of suspected cases are being investigated.

Three other large hospitals, St James’s and Beaumont in Dublin and Waterford Regional Hospital are fighting to curtail the spread of the virus.

Beaumont remains the most seriously affected with nearly 190 patients and staff showing symptoms or diagnosed with the virus.

However, with only four suspected cases in the last 48-hours the hospital said it appears that rigorous infection control measures are starting to have an affect.

A spokesman for the hospital said although one ward had been opened allowing 20 A$E patients to be admitted, the hospital remained under severe pressure with 15 out of 19 wards have confirmed or suspected cases of the virus.

The hospital’s A$E unit’s capacity remains limited and patients are being urged to attend their GP for all but the most serious of cases.

More than 50, mostly nursing, staff at Beaumont have contracted or are suspected of having the virus, placing additional strain on staff at the hospital.

All elective surgery at the hospital has been cancelled although outpatient appointments are continuing as normal.

A number of elective procedures planned at the Mater Hospital or James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown have been postponed to cater for A$E cases referred from Beaumont. Beaumont remains closed to all but the most urgent of visitors.

St James’s Hospital has confirmed 12 cases of the virus and that these have been quarantined in a bid to curb the spread of the bug.

Eight more cases of the virus were confirmed at Waterford Regional Hospital today. This brings to 19 patients and six staff, those diagnosed with the virus. The hospital said 12 of these patients have since recovered. Seven patients suspected to have the virus have been quarantined.

All elective admissions at Waterford have been cancelled up to and including Monday, October 7th. Visitors are being urged to stay away from the hospital except in exceptional circumstances.

Symptoms of the virus include vomiting and dehydration.